as a forum admin the 3 mosts important things are:1) security (yabb is probably the best in this area compared to all other forum software). if u don't have security nothing else matters.

2) mysql db (perhaps the one advantage of not having a database, is there can't be SQL injection). but there is no excuse for it happening anyways, should be easy to prevent. i had to leave yabb for vbulletin b/c my site outgrew flat-file file system

First, let me thank you for investing (or should I say, re-investing) your time in this effort to get YaBB running again. Earlier this year, I feared YaBB as a project was "broken for good". I'm speaking both as a member of the YaBB support team and the admin of four YaBB forms, so I think my view is pretty balanced.

First, I'm not very fond of the poll question itself. It infers we (YaBB) don't have any good ideas ourselves, we should be 'someone else'. I don't think you meant it quite that way, but that's the take I got on it at first glance (and why I didn't vote on it). Maybe the YaBB choice on the poll should say instead "Leave the design the way it is, and add "functionality" (as others have already said). Notice I didn't say "features".

In particular, I mean database functionality. Very specific and on point -- One database, One engine support. For now -- MySQL, MyISAM, others can wait. As a corollary to that, I support the digging out "transcoding/on-the-fly transliteration" from YaBB and switching to UTF-8. It's my belief this ONE (albeit major) change can turn YaBB around.

Here's why I believe going to "database" can really turn the corner, almost by itself, and some other requirements.

A. - Properly implemented, it would allow current YaBB formus that convert to the database version to use 'hooking'. (Even better -- later -- a simple YaBB API). One of the big "holdbacks." is Perl itself -- a language that requires dedication and love to master. With a database version, YaBB developers/admins will be able to use other languages (likely PHP) to build add-ons

B. - As noted in the prior paragraph, we have to get to UTF-8, as that is what almost all CMS's use in their database backend. Then, we can just 'pull' YaBB into WordPress, Joomla, or Driupal (that's 80% to 90% of what's out there) or vice-versa. (OK, a little over-simplification)

C. - Database will also enable us to more easily enable multiple login methods. I see Jeff has worked on OpenID Login, which is also a good thing. I have a completed proposal for multiple logins, I will detail it in a separate post (I've been working on it for some time).

There will be a hiuge code cleanup in this - and all the 'other cool stuff' we want for the new YaBB will be incredibly simpler.

One last thing -- Please, Please, Please Ditch Forever the words 'YaBB 3' and any pages/sections about it -- It's a constant reminder of a failure to keep promises. Software Development Is ALL ABOUT Promise Keeping. No one wants to invest their valuable time in dead-end projects. This is particularly true for personal interest projects where time is scarce, and there's no paycheck. The software battlefield is full of dead soldier applications -- that the developers and adopters have literally poured their lifeblood into only to see it bleed to death.

So I suggest we keep the YaBB we love, and make it better. We probably also need a new name and release hierarchy. I suggest YaBB-NX (New Experience) or something along those lines - I think the AE idea was a good one, let's keep it going

Quick summary -- YaBB Next Release = Database, no other features, only one thing - get database support working!

Quick summary -- YaBB Next Release = Database, no other features, only one thing - get database support working!

Absolutely bang on correct imho. Its going to be a big architectural change, that even with the best will in the world, and best testing, there are going to be flaws that come to light once released, I would envisage a few quick bug fixes. Then after this, that is the time to release enhancements.

As to dropping flat file, I can see both sides of that. YaBB probably attracts a lot of small sites due to its ease, and no requirement for a database server. But to counter that, supporting one 'backend' would make the overstretched devs live's easier. Multiple backends could also stiffle exciting new features, or worse, fragment YaBB badly.

BTW, Corey, I like the return of the blue - much easier on the eye, the orange/grey was a bit much.

When I upgraded to 2.5, I had to use a few of the 2.4 layout files to maintain the user details on the left, rather than at the top (which imho makes the thread pages tediously longer). Will there be an (working ) option to choose either in future versions?

Mods are very easy to install using boardmod.Plus adding mods to other forum software is either hit or miss and some you would need to be a coder to get it right.

Very few Themes used in other software are pleasing to the eye, but in all fairness the last few used here have been excellent, even going back to 1.4

phpBB have two forums running (area 51) and there is an easy link at the bottom to boardmod

Taking a peek behind the mask

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king_of_caos

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Re: The Future of YaBB DesignReply #23 - Oct 4th, 2010 at 3:32pm

Hi All yabb people

Great New design - fantastic ....

regardsKing Of CaosDenmark

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Unilat

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Re: The Future of YaBB DesignReply #24 - Oct 5th, 2010 at 4:02pm

Haha, told you they would like the template

Hopefully the css issues from the main site will be changed to stop the conflicts soon?

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Outumuro

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Re: The Future of YaBB DesignReply #25 - Oct 6th, 2010 at 6:49am

What I believe Corey was asking was not so much the look of a given template or theme (I do like this latest one a lot)... but is more about features, functions and layout. Function A is on the right instead of the left. Feature X doesn't exist in YaBB (in the forum or as a mod), but is common in most other forums. Forum Y implements Feature Z really well, how could it be implemented or designed better in YaBB? This is what I got from Corey's poll and question.

Yes, YaBB is very secure... that has been one of YaBB's hallmarks for years. Yes, database support is critical for the future... but it will take LOTS of testing, maintenance releases and security updates; adding databases will bring with it some security issues. We have to be ready for that.

Sub-boards are needed too and coming. This is something that the community and devs have wanted for a long time... and we're nearing that point.

Totally agree that UTF-8 is a must and long overdue.

I like that OpenID is coming. This ia web standard that is finally seeing support from other app developers, and from browser developers.

True the focus needs to be on databases and sub-boards, and there are not as many coders on the dev team as would be preferable... but we're not working in a vacuum and too much focus can lead to burnout too.

Social networking features on a forum may sound like cheese bread to some, and hate to burst anyone's bubble... but social networking is a reality now. Facebook, MySpace, Twiiter, and many other have taken a huge hit on and surpassed the popularity of forums. I've been an admin since the BBS days 28 years ago, the BBS succumbed to the Internet forum, now forums are doing the same... as social networking is the next step in the evolution. We've all heard the phrase, "thinking outside the box"... that creates the next box, which is where we are now.

As forum developers, we can stick to our box and lose relevancy. Or look not just ahead, but also today as what is the new box and how to work with it. That said, we can do that and still work on databases and sub-boards too. Such as not only adding OpenID logins, but also supporting the Facebook API in YaBB so FB users can login, like and share within YaBB; adding tweet & retweet options out to Twitter... at least these by default, and additional social networking options as mods over on BoardMod.